Skip to main content

Trap (2024)

 

Trap is a thriller involving a serial killer who is trapped by the FBI inside a concert he bought tickets to attend with his daughter.

M. Night Shyamalan is a hit-or-miss director. His most recent film, Knock at the Cabin wasn't nearly as good as this was, and hasn't had a film this good since 2017's Split. I would rate this higher than Split but not by much. I was expecting more of a twist but I was still heavily engaged. It seems he's trying to separate himself from the "twist" typecast.

This is a perfect film for Josh Hartnett to remind people that not only can he act but he can carry a film. The last time I saw a lead Hartnett film was back in 2007 with 30 Days of Night, but he'll always be known for playing Zeke Tyler in The Faculty. This is easily his best performance and it excites me to see his upcoming movie The Long Home directed and starring James Franco.

The film is gripping and keeps you wondering. Only a few things are just extra in terms of pacing. Result: A-

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exit 8 (2026)

Exit 8 is directed by Genki Kawamura , who is best known as the producer of Your Name. , though his work as a director may be less familiar. The film leans into a minimalist premise, building tension through repetition and unease rather than large set pieces. It succeeds in creating an atmosphere that keeps you alert, with a structure that slowly reveals its rules and stakes. While the story ultimately comes together in a satisfying way, the journey there can feel a bit too restrained to stay consistently engaging. Kazunari Ninomiya , known for Gantz and Letters from Iwo Jima , carries much of the film on his own. His performance fits the tone well, grounded and reactive in a way that matches the film’s quiet tension. He does a solid job making small moments feel important, though the script doesn’t always give him enough variety to fully showcase his range. Still, he keeps the film watchable even when the pacing slows. Overall, Exit 8 is a well-constructed film that nails its ten...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lee Cronin's The Mummy (2026)

Lee Cronin's The Mummy is directed by surprise-surprise  Lee Cronin , best known for Evil Dead Rise , and his style is immediately recognizable. The film plays less like a traditional Mummy story and more like a modern possession horror with a different skin. It often feels like a “what if Evil Dead involved a mummy,” leaning heavily into familiar genre beats rather than carving out something distinct. The tone prioritizes intensity and shock, with a focus on gore over sustained dread, which keeps it engaging in moments but limits its ability to build true horror. Jack Reynor , known for Midsommar and Sing Street , plays the father figure at the center of the chaos. His performance is solid and grounded, fitting well within the expectations of the genre. He brings a level of sincerity that helps anchor the film, even as the story follows a fairly predictable path. His arc plays out in a way that will feel familiar to anyone who has seen possession films like The Exorcist , but ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Karate Kid: Legends follows a new student stepping into the martial arts world with Jackie Chan returning as Mr. Han, trying to pass the torch once more. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, best known for The End of the F **ing World* , the tone is strangely uneven. The movie can't decide if it wants to be a heartfelt coming-of-age story or a legacy sequel cash grab. The choreography is passable, but the film lacks the grit and discipline that made earlier entries resonate. It feels more like a corporate product than a passion project. Jackie Chan, who once balanced comedy and heart in Rush Hour and The Karate Kid (2010) , phones it in. The charm and wisdom he brought to Mr. Han over a decade ago are gone. He looks bored, says his lines like he's checking boxes, and barely engages with the story. It's a disappointing return for one of martial arts cinema's biggest legends. Ben Wang, best known for American Born Chinese , plays the new Karate Kid. He’s got presence, bu...
Post a Comment
Read more